I was in Chinatown in Boston on Sunday after not doing any street photography for a long time. It took a couple hours to shake of that anxiety, but at one point I got caught in the act by a gentleman looking in a restaurant window. He turned around right as a took a second shot and my stomach dropped. I kinda laughed, gave an apologetic wave, and was surprised that he laughed too and pointed to the cooked duck in the window. The fact that he didn’t seem to care, but also directed me to my next shot, really helped me shake it off.

My tip is - don't hide your camera. When you are open about the fact that you're carrying it, people won't be surprised when you suddenly take it out of your bag or pocket. It's stressful at first but it pays off by making everyone around you more comfortable

I have photographed 10s of thousands of people in public spaces in the years I've been shooting in both professional and personal situations. In all that time, I've had maybe one person confront me and ask me not to photograph them. I find usually that nobody seems to mind at all, and in fact quite a few really enjoy being photographed, even by a stranger. As others have said, don't be sneaky or shy about it. Looking confident and like you know what you're doing (even if you have to fake it at first) goes a long way. If in the rare case someone does ask you to stop, just point your camera elsewhere. Even though no one has any legal authority to bar you from photographing them in public, there's no reason to be a jerk about it...there are plenty of other willing subjects to aim your camera at. I hope someone finds this encouraging.

I still get nervous even after ten years of doing street, there’s always the potential for conflict. At the same time the reward feeling of getting a good photo makes up for it.

My main struggle is worrying about somebody getting upset with me taking a photo of them. This usually leads to me not taking the photo and having anxiety about asking them if I can take a photo of them. Even though I know most people wouldn’t care, that fear holds me back a lot of the time. It’s really frustrating because some of the best photos I’ve ever taken were of people that I just saw when I had my camera and I try to remember that when I feel that pit in my stomach while taking photos.

The best tip. Don't photograph people for no reason. Have that reason ready to go. The moment should have been worth the conversation. Your reason also shouldn't be "it was cool". Common people, we are better than that. Street Photography is art, history and life. We have all the reason to do it. Absolutely what I have been wanting to say myself to others for a long time too. Great work brother.

FYI I actually watched the Square Space ad instead of skipping it because that was a very legit transition into something that’s actually relevant to the video. Great work, man!

If anyone asks what you're doing, just tell them you're with the city appraisal department and they're considering demolishing whatever building you are looking at. Then run. Works every time

One of the best ways I've found if jumping into the deep end doesn't work is to find the very edge of what you're comfortable with and only taking one step out. You make progress, get comfortable, then you take one more step. Only staying one step out is a lot easier to content with

Not being argumentative, just making an observation. Sometimes it can be harder in an area that is less crowded because you are more visible. And, people in a less populated area may not be as accustomed to seeing photographers on the street. In an urban area these days people may be more oblivious to your presence and your camera. Great video and very helpful!!

My solution to build confidence was to start taking photos in parks. I did not feel at all weird with dozens of people with cameras around (especially on nice sunny weekends). I would progressively move towards the outskirts of the park and eventually to the urban areas around it and beyond. I would also pick urban areas which are popular with photographers, like ones with famous landmarks etc.

The reason I'm scared is that whenever someone sees a person with a big camera, they assume that it must be a professional and me to take photos of them and that is what scares me. Thoughts of "oh what if I can't take good photos? Then what would they think of me" is always present in the back of my head and that is my biggest anxiety.

I felt in love with photography since I was 4 years old. It became my absolute obsession to take photos of almost everything. I wish I could make street photography, but as an autistic person, even crossing a street or the downtown is a challenge itself. Plus the Anxiety, talking to people or photograph strangers is quiet impossible for me. I hope one day I can overcome this mental bullshit.

My first time doing street photography I had a very upset guy confront me and wanted to fight because I was out taking photos. It took me a long time to get back out, but after I did I realized I just got unlucky. 99.99% of the time people are very cool about it. Be mindful of where you're shooting and be confident in your photography, if you look timid and afraid it gives off the impression that you're doing something you shouldn't be and it makes people more likely to confront you. Another tip that helped me is that I have all my camera gear insured now, if anything happens I don't have to worry about not having the money to replace my equipment that helped set me more at ease.

It's all about practice and confidence. And for the ones who needs to read this: anxiety will go away (trust me). Excellent video Faizal!

I really love your work! This channel was one of the main reasons I bought my first camera to start taking photos. I’m really enjoying the process of street photography so far

thank you for saying these. i've just gotten into street photography and this video resonates so much with a lot of my worries when doing it. it makes me feel like my feelings and nervousness around street photography are valid. the best part is you also share how to overcome these worries. can't wait to do some street photography again soon. thank you so much for making this video!

Thought I was nervous, but this video showed me how far I've come. Just bought my first camera (I began in photography twelve years ago with my dad's camera and been using my phone since) and since the moment I opened the box I've been shooting as long the battery lasts, never keeping it away nor stored and even photographing people. Since I come from shooting with smartphone, I'm used to the uncomfortable looks -especially when photographing people- as the camera makes people sure that you're an artist (or just a tourist in the worst-case scenario) instead of a random stalker that wants to share something on his phone.

Watched this video, not because I want some quick solution or a how to. But because I was just comforted in knowing that there are people that feel this way which makes this all a little less daunting and gives me that bit of confidence in picking up my camera/phone in public and snapping that beautiful moment.

This is such a helpful video. As someone who made his thesis a photobook about people, these are the tips I’ve been looking for to find my flow. It does take time to adjust in a new environment but the thought of making memories not just for yourself but for the people you met through the pictures is a good experience.

Thank you Faizal. You adressed a lot of points/issues I had when attempting street photography. Subscribed :)

Great video as always. For me it very much depends on my daily form and the general vibe of the city I'm in. Some days I'm completely confident and it's so easy to step out of my comfort zone and other days even the slightest step out of my comfort zone gives me anxiety. But what I found was that the pictures aren't always better when I'm confidently stepping out of my zone than when I'm not and that really helped me to accept my daily form and do as much as I'm capable of.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on street photography. I usually watch interviews of the masters to get motivated again 🙂📸

Love the tip of leaving the camera bag at home. It’s so true - while I’m not necessarily anxious about other people seeing me with my camera, i find I don’t take it out to shoot as much as I would like, when I have it in my bag on me. I’ve been doing this at home with my kids too (I’m usually a family photographer, and am doing a 265 project), but I replaced my phone with my camera and its been so amazing to see the random stuff I’ve captured! Thanks for this tip Faizal!

Super inspiring, thank you. I am not someone who really does "street photography" but this video popped up in my feed and inspired me to go on a street photography "trip" around my neighborhood this week, just to try it out! Great content :)

Feels like a wes Anderson love this style of video. Honestly sometimes when watching older videos i got bored but this style keeps me present

I'm constantly battling myself when it comes to street photography -- I'm the least confrontational person I know, so why would I put myself in a position where I could come across confrontation? However, you bring up some excellent points here, and this is quality info, as usual. Also, I totally laughed out loud at the bit about the "vintage Leica." I hear it all too often! Yet again another quality video, dude. 🙏

The no-bag tip is amazing! I’ve always felt that shoulder (neck) straps are better than bags, and wrist straps are better than shoulder straps. Sometimes it’s still hard to fight off the anxiety, but often times I find that just having the camera hanging off my shoulder rather than in my bag, I pay more attention to things happening around me and continue to think more about frames, even if I’m not taking any photos.

A thoughtful look at the psychology of street photography -and great advice for photographers.

I'm usually never really that nervous after a few shots but for whatever reason yesterday, I got so nervous and anxious. No idea why. I guess in some ways I have actually gotten so much more confident than when I started. I actually am getting quite close to people and it dawned on me just how close I am compared to when I first started. I guess we never fully adjust. Great video

I fully agree with focusing on the scene first, and it will basically guarantee that your end result is well-composed (scene affects composition more than subject, IMO). Once you've found your scene, you can even do a form of hybrid street photography where you ask some interesting passer-by if they would let you shoot them for a brief moment. If they are down, you can then direct them to the most suitable part of your scene!

Brilliant. A relevant topic and it's been addressed in a great way. I think a lot of us understand this personally but the act of sharing this makes it instantly relatable and ease the feeling that you are on this journey alone. So, thank you.

I love your suggestion of having your album featured on a beautiful web page, along with your QR code to lead them instantly to your page. Those are my two take-always moving forward. Thanks for the great video!

I started doing street photography this week and I was taking picture of people in bars/restaurant from the outside ( you know they were behind the glass). I was really worried that anyone will realize this and want to confront with me so I am learning to get a good angle and be like ghost. Cool thing was that I meet another young guy with camera on his neck and he saw me and we both smile to each other. That really gave me this boost of motivation and not feeling alone or weird anymore. EDIT: I realize its also easier if you use your Viewfinder while taking pictures because its covering your face so you feel more anonymous and I think people might think you are a professional 😅

It’s weird that you put this out because this is exactly what I did. I was used to shooting birds, bugs, and animals and I employed the wait-for-them approach and thought “Hey, I could do this for people.” Yes, I was very nervous. Did a lot of reading thinking I had to ask permission everywhere I went. It was exhausting. I eventually threw caution to the wind and did it. I started in my own neighborhood then gradually moved into the city. You are 100% correct: once you’re used to having that camera full-time in your hand, it is a lot easier to shoot street. I have never been harassed. Ironically, I now live in a place where I have to apply for photography permits inside the city, but the act of going out and shooting is second nature so that part barely bothers me. Great tips, Faizal!

I gotta be honest… this was an extremely helpful video and I’ve been having anxiety lately for no apparent reason … until now reflecting on it. Also: The don’t take your bag tip is 💯 . Thank you. Keep it up.

I can’t begin to describe how perfect your timing is. I’ve been doing street photography for many years and recently I find myself “stuck” when I go out with my camera. I will take some of your suggestions especially that relating to why I’ve been nervous and it starts with worrying about not taking ‘good’ photographs any more… and so on. Thank you.

It took me a long time to realize that people don't care what you're doing unless you're being a nuisance and disrupting their life. Knowing that helps break the insecurities of street photography.

Although I would rather take photos on the sly, I often chat up people and then they always agree to let me photograph them. One young, disabled, black veteran in a Chicago park had a sad story to share (which sincerely interests me). He let me take a picture of him feeding the pigeons. Another, Louise, a vagrant, I spoke with for 5 minutes learning her sad story and then I offered to buy her a take out meal. I still think about Louise. So personally maybe because I am an empath, I do enjoy street photography because I am enriched by the plight of those who are often down and out.

Thank you sharing; those were some great and helpful tips! I typically use my phone to be less conspicious, but I will try carrying the camera w/o the bag, and use your suggestions.

Awesome video! I have tried approaching people and asking them for their photograph and quickly explaining why, I liked their look, their clothes, their hat, etc… some said no, some said yes. This takes real practice and a bit of brass balls. And I am still horrible at it but it gives me the confidence for candid photographs to reply to someone for why I am taking their pic 👍

I do street photography in all weathers in London. You have great delivery, your posts always inspire me to get out and do more. It's always good to share your experiences, this post is excellent. Sam Mauri is correct, smile, wave and look friendly. Most of our streets are in London are small, in 9 years I've never had a confrontation, quite the opposite, eventually someone will approach you, when that happens show them the picture, ask them if they would like a copy via email. In my experience the answer has always been 'oh yes please'. You keep posting, I'll keep looking, and thank you.

Thanks for the tips! This video came up on my recommended which was perfect timing as I've been really struggling with any taking any street pictures (and I have a waist level viewfinder so should be even easier). Need to get over the anxiety so will implement your tips, as there's been 2 instances recently where I didn't take the shot and I know they would have been amazing moments captured and I feel so angry at myself for not getting over the moments anxiety. I think it's good to keep in your head "if not now, when?. Thanks again for the tips.

Good advice! I worry about my camera being stolen, and Al’s about someone getting angry or scared these days. Even in my own work building, I was walking through with a camera in hand and security personnel approached me having seen what they thought was a gun in my hand…nope, it’s a camera!

Looking to do my first few street photography photo walks to get some inspiration (outdoor macro season is over, and I can't travel for landscape/wildlife shots at the moment). I found these tips very helpful as I plan my shoots. Thanks for the help. Subscribed.

Hey this is the perfect video! Thanks again for your advice. I tried the fishing technique you mentioned and I've been getting some pretty good shots. I really appreciate the time, and I hope you keep putting out these great videos

Brilliant video! Thanks for your insight! Was in Boston during the summer, took me awhile to feel comfortable, I had a very small camera, which I think it helped not draw attention to what I was doing! Always great content!

I like your channel for the wholesome honest approach. No click bait doctored catchy white-outlined thumbs but to-the-point story and info. Thank you.

great video thank you so much!!! this couldn't of popped up in my recommended at a better time, a combination of things has made it so hard for me to pursue photography lately; anyone else who has social anxiety combined with the anxiety of street photography can probably relate to the feeling of stagnancy in their work. i haven't pulled out my camera since i was in mexico city and then chicago, for some reason it's a lot easier for me to shoot in in environments outside of where i live, especially because i don't live in a touristy city i also get anxious about people thinking like "why is she even taking photos around here" too but everything takes practice and consistency so i'm hopeful in finishing the half finished roll in my nikon fe2 soon!!!

'Food for thought' Faizal. Thank you.

This is certainly a great video. I see a mature street photographer now -- the aware of why he is there, new Faizal. It is all a matter of reinventing one's self, ever so often and to the very end, which makes life a growing thing. The end of your video is the most important part. Enjoy the street and the people along the way. Thanks! - Loren J Schwiderski

Your voice is so soothing, your content is so soothing, the music is soothing, your editing style is soothing. Everything is soothing. I feel at peace, comforted, and ready to take photos. Thanks lol

Dude this is a piece of art and a great piece of advice. Love it.

My best tip is to hold your camera like if you were shooting a VIDEO. That is: once you take your photo don't take apart your camera instantly, you just keep holding it. Another tip: Look like you are adjusting some settings on your camera not actually taking a photo.

So helpful. Thank you. Love your tutirials. Got back into street photos 2 weeks ago after a 10 year break😊

That was of great help, Mr. Westcott. Thank you.

This was really inspiring video Faizal. Thank you!

Excellent content. Thanks for the low key conversational style, it is so refreshing compared with the ubiquitous fast talking/cuts style of content on youtube. When I first started doing street photography I was actually the most confident, and then over time became more nervous partly because I eventually did get approached and confronted though those interactions ended up being okay. Thanks for the inspiration to get out there again, as I really miss that wonderful feeling of "the hunt" where you just get into the muse of the moment which is an absolutely wonderful feeling.

Great video Faizal, always giving us tips to improve and be better.

I agree about keeping your camera out in the open. It can improve how fast you react to situations and capture moments. Though in countries where its is not always safe to keep gadgets out in the open, having an inconspicuous camera bag around is handy and safe. :)

you just described me perfectly and gave perfect tips. thank you. also, ive seen countless squarespace ads, but this is the first one that actually got me to visit their website and try it out. keep up the good work man

just your first minute of this video brought me to tears. im a bit agoraphobic and terrified of social situations- but i want to try street photography so badly.. im just going to have to try one step at a time. thank you

I had crippling social anxiety for years and even though I always wanted to do street photography in my heart, I could never get myself out in public with a camera. But I got prescribed to a certain medication in November 2022 which suppressed 25% of the anxiety, enough to get me out with my camera. I started going to quieter spots with my camera and taking photos, then coming back home with a huge sigh of relief. In the interim, I followed the tips from this video, which helped me a lot. Cut to now, the social anxiety has practically gone (maybe only have like 10% of anxiety), but I have had confrontations and many many positive interactions with people. I have been doing street photography consistently twice a week, like going to the gym. A year ago, I would have said art therapy is BS, however, with the positive change I have had over the last few months, art is certainly one of the best forms of therapy. Everyone has their own idealised self, mine was doing street photography, it may be something else for others (like music or painting). But there is something about putting your emotions out in the physical environment that makes it tangible, and not immediately decipherable to other people (like talk therapy does). You can share your emotions without surrendering your vulnerability. I still need to hit the gym though...

Such a cool and great video. So relaxing and inspiring at the same time. Thank you for this beautiful content. Keep up the good work

Thank you, Faizal!

What I find hard is stopping and working a composition, I always start getting in my head wondering what people might be thinking. I really don't mind crowded places because I feel like I blend into the background more, especially if I'm zone focusing and working fast.

I've always taken photos on my phone in the street and had no issues but once I got a mirrorless camera I felt like I wasn't in camo anymore but instead a bright red sign saying "hey look at me" even with my phone taking photos in my city (which is beautiful) it's harder when a lot of people are either very vocal towards me about what I'm doing or instead start doing stuff to get my attention. Eventually, I went to a less busy area of my city taking photos felt a lot easier but actually test myself I went out early in the morning when most people were going to work (where fewer hooligans were around) and I felt completely different. The key tip is focus on what you love about photography and why you do it and in the end your nerves and fears fade away.

You are such a inspiration! Keep on making these great videos 💥

Thanks for the great advice. Love your work!

I really like the vibe of your videos and photos! Thanks for sharing

Thank you for this! ❤️

Great video! I always return to your channel whenever I need inspiration.

your videos have some kind of calm power, like a lullaby for me, in a good way))

I’ve recently started doing street photography, at the moment i m still anxious about taking pictures of people, so i tend to avoid but i did take some when i really want to, my best tip is that you look awesome with a camera in ur hand and just blast favourite music and just walk and shoot🥰 it really helped i would of go on for hours if my battery didnt die lol

Some of the best tips out there. I thought you would go down the usual unpractical way but you made it so actionable and so practical that I loved it. Thanks

Dude those colors are amazing, 4:3 aspect ratio gives me nostalgia, thanks for making this video ♥

This was such a wonderful video, and it's the one that introduced ne to you! I've subscribed and I'm looking forward to watching more from you. I've been wanting to try street photographer but haven't becase of nerves. You have given me the advice that I needed to finally give it a go! So, thank you so much

im thinking of starting to do more street photography and i really think the tip about starting somewhere comfortable and then progressing into a busier area is useful. I'm not from a big city but i recently moved to one of the largest in my country and having been in the downtown without my camera just made an itch in my brain to go there and take photos, people confronting me about photos along with being mugged are my two biggest concerns but not really much that can be done about that really.

My best tip for street photography is to not go alone. Out of all the times I went shooting in the streets, I have never been more productive than when I was with a friend. It is a way to forget your anxiety by just chilling with a friend while taking photos

Really good tips man. Quality of the video too 🙌🏻

I've watched several street photo tutorial videos and this video is the one that taught me the most.

Great advice. I find shooting in the touristy parts of my city to be less stressful because people expect tourists with cameras. It’s in the real neighborhoods of the city where I get the most odd looks, unfortunately.

Faizal i really love the aesthetic of your videos, it's got this very cinematic documentary filter kinda like what i like about the Leica Q2.

Thats because its amazing, that thrill is an AMAZING FEELING and you have to be confident and also know how to approach the subject

Looking past the people helps like your interested in something behind them. Great video and great tips!

First time I tried street photography I had the police called on me for photographing a car park. Was probably the most exciting part of the security guards career

Im a pretty new street photographer myself, and I tend to take photos more focused on interesting people rather than the scene. I loved all the advice in this video, and I definitely want to implement more focus on the scene into my photos. I do wanna say that in my experience so far, I tend to take pictures of people that I think are really interesting for one reason or another, and if I get asked why I took the photo I tell them the reason whether it was a cool shirt they had, a cool sweater, a dog, an interesting combination of colors, etc. So personally, I really enjoy taking pictures of people to take pictures of people, cuz I just love people yk. Thanks for continuing to inspire my journey into photography :D

Just had my first time getting asked what I'm doing while taking a picture 🤣 Could've probably handled it better, but your video helped a lot! Thank you

I think if you have a conventional camera, people are less suspicious because for some reason they think you're either some harmless nerd or maybe even a professional. A high power zoom helps btw. That, a steady hand and a good sense of timing.

Done street for about 2 years now and still I bottle taking a shot. Think you'll always have those moments of doubt and end up missing a shot you really wanted. The fun & joy of doing street I suppose ha.

I still nervous while shooting on the street. This video helps me a lot. 🥺

something that helped me gain confidence about having subjects in my photos was approaching people with dogs and asking to take photos of their dogs

I love the idea of looking for scenes as opposed to people. That's a great mindset for someone like myself.

That smooth sponsor transition 💯

Amazing advice, but also what a beautifully shot video. Such a vibe. Cheers.

Thank you! The tip to start out low key was extremely helpful!

What I most fear about street photography is the fear of Karens

Thank you for the tips.

I greatly appreciate you sharing this video with us newbies! Thanks my man

these tips are great! Thanks for sharing Faizal!